The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-01
MAXIMILIANS HONOR.
An Allegation that He Basely Sought to Save
His Life by Sacrificing His Followers.

| CITY OF MEXIco Aug. 31.-A great sensation
was created at this capital by leading article
| in the Monitor Republicano, whereln
founding revelation of the conduct of Emperor
| Maximilian, on the surrender of the City of
| Queretario, is given to the public. For weeks
past there has been most acrimonious contro-
versy in the newspapers regarding the assumed
treachery of the Imperialist General Lopez in
surrendering the convent of La Cruz the key to
| Queretario, during the siege. The writer
declares that General Escobedo commander
| of the Republican forces, made report
on the matter to the government two
months ago, vndicating General Lopez. and
| the published statement is furnished him by
one of General Escobedo's officers, to whom the
report to the government was read. On the
first page of the reports photographed letter
purnorting to have been written by Emperor
Maximilian to Miguel Lopez. The letter.
translated reads as follows:
"AIy Dear Colonel Lopez-We recommend you
to observe profound secrecy regarding the com
mission General Escobedo which have
trusted to you, for if it is dvuged honor
| will be stained Yours atfectionately.
May l8, 1867. MAXINILIAN."
He then describes the situation of the two
armies during the final days of the siege. The
| line of contravallation was perfect The situa-
tion of the besieged was desperate. They
running short of provisions and ammunition,
and We're fast becoming demoralized. At this
conjunction General Escobedo day noti-
lied that of Maximillan's officers desired al
an interview with him. Escobedo instantly
granted the interview and Col Miguel Lopez one
of Maxmlans favorite officers, in
troduced. Lopez said he was commits
stoned by Maxmilian to offer to
deliver the garrison to Escobedo. on condition
/ that the latter should allow Maximilian and his
officers to depart unmoles ,ed; thas MaxiInilian
had already signed mis- abdication. and that he
would GO straight to Vera Cruz Tuxpan,
where a ship would be in readiness to take him
board and that he would engage himself, on
his word of honor. never again to meddle in the
affairs of Mexico. Gen Escobedo replied that
he could make no such terms, the orders of
the government were that the besieged should
surrender at discretion Lopez then declared
that he authorized to make
such terms with Escobedo he could.
and in the name of his chief he informed Esco-
bedo that the republican army might occupy
the convent of La Cruz st 3 o'clock the follow
ing morning without encountering resistance,
and that Maximilian in person would there
rend'T himself uncoudltioDally. The convent
WAS accordingly seized without resistance, but
Maxnilian did not comply with his promise
to surrender his person on that spot. Quereta-
rio was then occupied after some Intellectual
sistance. and the imperialist lead
ers made prisoners In this
most emphatic language that Lopez trai-
tor; that he did not receive one cent of money.
IN evidence of his authority to make terms
behalf of the emperor, Lopez produced the letter
already alluded TO, in which Maximilian desired
Lopez TO maintain the profoundest secrecy in O.
gard to the mission with which he
lopez had been intrusted to GeE.
Escobedo. This letter removed all doubts
from Escobedo's mind, and he then
and there made copy OF it. IN subsequent
interview MaXimilian told Escobedo that ne had
immense favor ask of him, and Escobedo
promised to grant it. If possible. Macmillan
then asked Escobedo to promise that he would
never reveal the manner in which the convent
of La Cruz had been occupied Escobedo said
he could make no such engagement inasmuch
as circumstances of such a nature might arise
as would compel him to make a full
statement of the facts. Maxmllan, however.
persisted. He said that he foresaw his own end
and that now his only to prevent any
stain from lighting the escutcheon of the
llustriOus house OF Hapsburc, OF which he
scion, and that if he could not make uncon-
ditional promise. be entreated that he would
least engage not to reveal the truth
until after the death of the unfortunate
Empress Cariotta. Escobedo, compassionating
the unhappy position of hls fallen foe, made "a
promise on condition that he should consider
himself released tnerefrom if. at any time. cir
cumstances should arise which might make it
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